Performance Review #2: Persecution
Passage: Revelation 2:8-11
Verse: “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10
Evaluation of: The church in Smyrna [theme is persecution]
Evaluator:
Him [Jesus]
Who is the First and the Last [Alpha and Omega]
Who died and came to life again
Strengths: I know …
Your afflictions
Your poverty – yet you are rich!
The slander you face from enemies under Satan’s influence
Weaknesses: None
Steps:
Do not be afraid of your coming suffering
Be faithful even to the point of death
Warnings:
Satan will put some of you in prison to test you
You will suffer persecution for a short period of time
Incentive:
If faithful, I will give you the crown of life [an eternal relationship with God]
If you overcome, I will give you the right to eat from the tree of life in God’s Paradise [another way to say “an eternal relationship with God”]
Application:
Persecution is a foreign experience for me, and most likely for you, too. You haven’t gone through afflictions, poverty, suffering, prison or persecution for your faith. People may have slandered you, but probably behind your back. There are Christians today who are undergoing intense persecution.
The way the world means you may are likely to face persecution in your lifetime. So when is comes, the Lord says: 1) do not be afraid, and 2) be faithful. It’s ironic that the only city mentioned in Revelation 2-3 that is thriving today is modern-day Smyrna (Izmir). Historically, Christian persecution has always resulted in the unprecedented growth and development of the Church.
Prayer:
“Lord, I don’t like the idea of suffering. So far I’ve only known an easy spiritual life. I ask you for courage and faithfulness in whatever trials I may face. Amen.”
© 2014 Steven A. Lake
Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.
